The Mouse of Amherst

Author: Elizabeth Spires; Illustrated by Claire A. Nivola

A mouse's-eye-view of Emily Dickinson

When a mouse named Emmaline takes up residence behind the wainscoting of Emily Dickinson's bedroom, she wonders what it is that keeps Emily scribbling at her writing table throughout the day and into the night. Emmaline sneaks a look, and finds that it's poetry! Inspired, Emmaline writes her own first poem and secretly deposits it on Emily's desk. Emily answers with another poem, and a lively exchange begins. In this charming and fanciful introduction to Emily Dickinson, Elizabeth Spires demonstrates the power of poetry to express our deepest feelings, while Claire A. Nivola's delicate pencil drawings capture the intricacies of life in Emily's world. Included are eight of Dickinson's most loved poems, with seven corresponding poems by Emmaline that are sure to bring out the poet in any child.

Publishers Weekly Best Children's Books of the Year honoree

“A mouse becomes the perfect poetic companion to the reclusive poet Emily Dickinson in this heartfelt daydream from Spires.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Filled with ardency and wit.”

—Starred, Publishers Weekly

“A sweetly written invitation to view life as more than crumb gathering and cheese nibbling.”

—The New York Times Book Review